Spring Reading Thing 2012

Well in spite of the snow that fell upon us this weekend, it is spring!  And that means it time for the Spring Reading Thing Challenge hosted by Katrina over at Callapider Days.  Give her a visit for the guidelines and then jump on board.

As usual, not only is it the fun of reading and challenging myself with some reading goals, but it's the fun of getting my list together.  

1.  God Loves Broken People ( And those who pretend they're not) by Sheila Walsh - Finishing for a review.   In 12 stirring, insightful, and deeply revealing chapters, Sheila Walsh shows how personal brokenness can open doors of intimacy with Jesus Christ that might never open in any other way. 

2.  Need You Now by Beth Wiseman - Doing for review.  Beth Wiseman explores growing stronger in the broken places of life.  Experience a family's triumph over lies, betrayal and loss while still clinging to the One who matters the most.

3.  Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery - Love the show.  Never read the book.  Now is the time.

4.  Possession by Rene Gutteridge -left over from Fall Into Reading 2011.    D.C. detective is burned out and moves his family to the other side of the country.  Everything begins to unravel in the hands of his past and a little boy's innocent faith brings a group of desperate people to their knees.

5.  The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd - left over from Fall Into Reading 2011.   Story of a young girl's journey toward healing,

6.  Broken Wings by Carla Stewart - a tale of friendship under turbulent circumstances.

7.  Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs - Part II to "Here Burns My Candle" (which I reviewed a couple of years ago).  Historical fiction with the book of Ruth in mind but set in 18th century Scotland.

8.  The Canary List by Sigmund Brouwer - Still deciding about this one.  If it creeps me out I might not finish.   About a girl who can sense darkness and evil that compels her to run for her life sending her and her teacher, Crockett Grey, whom she went to for help, into a bizarre web of events.  In uncovering the secrets to the girl's mysterious past and strange gift it leads to deeper secrets and conspiracy involving the Vatican.

9.  Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay - I've seen this alot around the web and it sounds intriguing.   A mesmerizing story in which a tragic past unfolds, the present is torn apart, and the future is irrevocably altered.

10.  One More Sunrise by Michael Landon Jr. and Tracie Peterson - loved "The Silent Gift" so have been looking forward to reading something else by the author.   A gripping story of lives turned upside down and dreams transformed in something beautiful and new.

11.  The Accidental Bestseller by Wendy Wax - four aspiring authors who are friends get together to write a novel and use their own lives as fodder assuming no one will discover the truth behind their words.

12.  Life, on the Line by Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas - the true story of Grant Achatz, a young chef on the rise with incredible accolades including owning Alinea which was named best restaurant in America. Then at the height of his career he was diagnosed with stage IV tongue cancer.  Doctors wanted to remove his tongue but he chose an alternative treatment, which in the end made him lose his sense of taste.   He retrained himself to cook with his other senses and his chefs to mimic his palate.  

13.  The Romanov Bride by Robert Alexander - because I really loved The Kitchen Boy, as did Carrie, I'm been wanting to read this third book about Russian Royalty by this author.  This one is about the Grand Duchess Elisavyeta, a German princess who marries the Grand Duke Sergei of Russia.  

So what are you reading this spring? 

Spring Reading Thing 2011

Today is the first day of spring and that means the Spring Reading Thing of 2011 is underway!  It's a fun, low-key challenge to get some reading done!  You can go here for some of the details.  Again this spring my choices are going to be a bit of a mish mash of goals.  I have some that will be review books, some non-fiction which is always a challenge for me, and I'm adding some out of my book basket because it is starting to overflow and then, of course, I will have some from the library that I just couldn't leave behind.  As always there will be a couple of spaces to add review books as I get the requests.  So far this year I am reading at a slower pace than last year so I'm hoping I get through this list.  So many books I want to read and I have so much less time than I would like.  Looking forward to reading all your lists too, and I'm sure I will be adding to my want to read list as I do that.  But here's my choices for this spring:

1.  "Lazarus Awakening" by Joanna Weaver - (for review).  Finding your place in the heart of God.

2.  "Feed Your Pet Right" by Marion Nestle (finishing).  Because we're trying to make up our minds about the commercial dog food industry.

3.  "How to Raise the Perfect Dog Through Puppyhood and Beyond" by Cesar Millan - I wanted some specific suggestions for certain things and I like his show, so the book seemed the obvious choice.

4.  "God's Guest List - Welcoming Those Who Influence Our Lives" by Debbie Macomber - I'm pretty sure my friend Faith reviewed and recommended this one, but I couldn't find the post to link to.  Okay, so Faith just let me know it wasn't her.  Well, I have no idea then where I saw this but I know they said it was good.  LOL.

5.  "The Kitchen Boy - A Novel of the Last Tsar" by Robert Alexander- reviewed by Carrie and it sounded like something I would really like.

6.  "Undressing the Moon" by T. Greenwood - looked interesting on the library shelf so into the bag it went

7.  "Secrets" by Robin Jones Gunn - choice from my book basket

8.  "Standing in the Rainbow" by Fannie Flagg - choice from the book basket.  I think it was on the fall into reading list too.  Oh well.

9.  "The Midwife of St. Petersburg" by Linda Lee Chaikin - from my book basket

10.  "Unlocked" by Karen Kingsbury (finishing from my book basket)

 11.  "The Purple Book" by Rice Broocks & Steve Murrell - study in discipleship that my ladies group is doing

12.  "Experiencing the Ressurection" by Henry & Mel Blackaby - getting myself focused on the meaning of Easter

So there you have it.  I better get to it.  If you'd like to join the challenge or find some great reads, check out the link at Callapider Days, our hostess.

Spring Reading Thing 2010 Wrap Up

Well this spring has just flown by and with it is the the wrap up for the Spring Reading Thing challenge. Thanks to Katrina for hosting this each year. It's nice to have a bit of a focus with my reading.

So how did I do? Did I finish all my books? If not, why? Did I stick to my original goals or change as I went along? Well my original list is here. I am very happy to report that I have finished my original list with the exception of one and a half. And of course, both of those being of the non-fiction variety. "Experiencing the Resurrection" is my half. I am well into it but just couldn't get it done on time. Hopefully, I'll finish it in the next couple of weeks. With my track record of not finishing non-fictions I'd say that a finish of 3 1/2 non-fictions off this list was pretty darn good. Included in that is a book I finished off leftover from the Fall Into Reading challenge: "Unexplainable - Pursuing a Life Only God Can Make Possible". Now that is a record for me in the non-fiction department! Yay me! The devotional book "Behold, I Stand at the Door and Knock" I just could not get into so I set it aside for another time.

As far as fiction went I finished off my whole list of 7 novels plus added two more for a total of 9 fiction. I don't think I've ever done this well on a previous challenge. I don't know what was different this time. I think I just hit on some really great reads that kept my interest and kept me faithful to my original list and in the reading groove for the whole way. You can read any or all my thoughts on the books here. The Spring Reading Thing reviews start with #10 and go through to #22.

What was your favorite book you read this spring? Least favorite? Why? There was quite a few on my list that I really, really liked but I have to say my absolute favorite was "The Silent Gift" by Michael Landon Jr. It was just such a great read pulling every emotion out of me through the course of the book. It made me ask continuously throughout it "What would I do if in that postion?" and I had a hard time putting it down. All signs of a great read for me. My least favorite? A bit harder to pick as I didn't absolutely hate anything I read but a few were definitely not as enjoyable and gripping as some of the others. I think maybe "Here Burns My Candle", "The Wednesday Letters" and "Indivisible" were amongst my least favorites. Not that they were bad reads they just didn't hit me or engage me or weren't my style the same way some of the others were.

Did you discover a new author or genre this spring? Did you love them or not? My favorite read this spring was also a new author to me, Michael Landon, Jr. and I definitely loved it and it was in one of my favorite genres. I also discovered Sandra Dallas and she is definitely become one of my favorite authors. In all honesty I did come across her just before the reading challenge so therefore one of her books was on my original list and I quickly added her latest as soon as it came out.

Did you learn something new during the SRT? About reading? Yourself? A topic? I did learn I am capable of finishing a non-fiction. I guess it just has to be the right kind. As long as there is a progression of learning and not just the author saying the same thing twenty different ways it holds my interest a lot better I've discovered.

My favorite thing about the challenge? Just reading. And as usual, I loved reading everyone else's lists. I get alot of titles from going through other's lists.

I'd say it was a pretty successful challenge this spring. And the reading groove is still going! With the dog days of summer coming one of my favorite things is just sitting on a blanket, iced coffee or tea in hand and reading. Hopefully, the groove will continue!

Spring Reading Thing 2010

It's Spring! Yahoo! And that means lots of things. Warmth, sun, buds peeking out, walks around the lake, bar-b-queing, bike riding. And it also means Katrina's Spring Reading Thing kicks off. I love this challenge. It's a no pressure challenge and I love going through books and book lists to see what I want to read over the next three months. And then I love visiting everyone on the Mr. Linky to see what they will be reading. So far this is my list but as always some things are subject to change. Sometimes books I have on hold just don't arrive on time or they are on hold by someone else and I have to return them before I can get them read. But I'm excited about most of the titles on my list. So here we go:

Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs (book tour book). Set in Scotland in the 1700's the story plays off the biblical story of Ruth and Naomi.

An Absence So Great by Jane Kirkpatrick (book tour book). I've been looking forward to this one. It's the second in a series that is actually based on the author's own grandmother's life. I have a review of the first in the series here, scroll to #4.

The Right Call by Kathy Herman (book tour book). I read the second in this series in a book tour last fall and I'm excited to find out what happens to the characters. A review of the the second one is here.

Why Manners Matter - The Case for Civilized Behavior in a Barbarous World by Lucinda Holdforth. I could not pass this book by when I saw it at the library. The title just grabbed me.

Jordan's Crossing by Randall Arthur. This is a second book by this author that I am reading. I read his first last year for a book tour and I'm looking forward to this one. His stories are very thought provoking and heart searching. A review of the his other book is here.

Tall Grass by Sandra Dallas. I read my first Sandra Dallas book this year and I can hardly wait to read more of her stories. Loved the way she writes. A review book Prayers for Sale is here, scroll to #5.

The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright. This has been in my book bag for a while and I always get book tour books taking it's place but I'm determined to get to it this time. It sounds like a great read.

The Silent Gift by Michael Landon Jr. I love Michael Landon Jr. movies so I'm looking forward to his first writing. It's a story of a mother and her disabled son who in the midst of the depression years, recieves a special ability.

I Stand at the Door and Knock by Corrie Ten Boom (devotional). I love Corrie Ten Boom and have been looking forward to starting this devotional. I tend to "do" devotionals weird. I go in spurts with them, reading several in a day or none at all so we'll see how this one pans out. Each devotional is a little bit more reading than the norm but I'm looking forward to it as they are forty never before published devotions by the author.

Cook This, Not That!: Kitchen Survival Guide by David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding. I love this series of books that help you make better decisions of what it is you are putting into your body for food. It takes popular items that we all automatically reach for and gives us the better, more healthy alternative.

Experiencing the Ressurection by Henry Blackaby. For Easter I wanted to focus on Christ and his ressurection so this book is perfect. Not a long read but very powerful.

Food Rules - An Eater's Manual by Michael Pollan. Bringing simplicity to daily decisions about food.

So far, that is it. I hope I didn't bite off more than I can chew, or read, as it were. So what are you reading this spring? To join in or check out other great reads see Callipider Days.

Spring Reading Wrap Up

I know I'm really late but I'm finally posting my Spring Reading Thing 2009 wrap up post. I really have no excuse, so I'll just leave it as my bad.

I made my self a list that I thought would be quite easy to finish but alas, I still did not finish it. I was just shy of my goal. I'm not sure what happened but I hit a real reading funk sometime in the middle where I didn't pick up a book for about a week and that set me behind. And I had a couple of non-fictions in there. I always find those much harder and rarely do I ever finish a non-fiction unless it's an auto-biography or biography type book. I did finish one cover to cover, however, pat myself on the back. The other I'm about half way through. It's a Scottish history book and while very good I find I do have to concentrate much harder simply due to the style of writing so it's taking much longer than a fiction book.

So onto questions from Katrina for the wrap up:

Did you finish reading all the books on your spring reading list? If not, why not?

You can see my original list in my sidebar. "Never the Bride" was added after the reading thing started. As stated above the non-fiction bogged me down as did a reading funk in the middle. I didn't finish the fiction, but only by a small margin. I'm halfway through the second last one and the last one I sort of traded for "Never the Bride" which was a review book. So I just missed by half of a fiction and half of a non fiction.

What was your favorite book you read this spring? Why?

I can't believe I'm going to say this but I have to say I think it might have been one of the non-fiction ones: "Clutter-Free Christianity". It was so practical, easy to read and put into practice, lined up with the series my own pastor has been teaching on, and was just the back to basics teaching I needed at the time. Go figure. LOL.

I also really, really enjoyed "Never the Bride" and "My Heart Remembers".

Did you discover a new author or genre this spring? Did you love them? Not love them?

Robert Whitlow was new to me. I did enjoy the book and will probably try out another of his offerings when I am in the mood for a spiritual based mystery. I liked it because it dealt well the the spiritual end of things without it actually being a "horror" story and scaring the pants off of me. LOL. I don't do well with really scary stories. And this one fit the bill nicely.

Kim Vogel Sawyer was also new to me and I loved her story of the Irish orphan children that were put on trains and transported from the east to the west to unknown futures and how the siblings in the story always held out the hope that they would one day see each other again.

Arthur Herman was new to me and his is the history of Scotland book. Like I said, interesting, but by it's very nature and writing style, requires much more concentration so you don't get to the end of the page and then ask yourself what it is that you just read. Lots of detail. I probably wouldn't pass a test on it. :v)

What was your favorite thing about the challenge?

As usual, reading everyone else's list and getting many ideas for future reads.

So that's a wrap! Until next fall anyway. I've got some summer reads lined up that I'm looking forward to including "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult. I've never read any of her books as of yet and I nabbed this one because the movie is coming out soon and I wanted to read the novel first. So what have you got lined up for a summer read?

Loving a Challenge

Well, there is one month left in Spring Reading Thing Challenge at Katrina's. I think I just might actually finish my books this time around. Although I must admit the one I am reading right now is slowing me down somewhat. And not because it isn't good, but just because of the simple fact that it is non-fiction. When I picked up "How the Scots Invented the Modern World", I did so because the title sounded interesting and I had seen it on a few sights. It's turned out not exactly as I expected, in fact, I'm not sure I could define exactly what it is that I expected. Basically it's a history of the Scots, from about the late 1600's, and how their history has wrought change in the world as a whole with ideas we've adopted and still adhere to today. Now I do enjoy history, so I'm sticking with the book, even though, it's not my usual fiction fare and even though it takes me way longer to finish it. It's one of those "it's not easy reading, but I just can't put it down" kinds of books. But just please don't ask me to take a test on it when I'm finished. There is waaaay too much information contained within it's pages.

But meanwhile, I have added other reads in there as well as there is just times a girl just needs something to escape with, something a bit more on the "read without concentrating too hard" level. Somehow, How Scots Invented the Modern World is just not kind of read you take into a bubble bath with you. Or one that you read during free time play with 6 preschoolers. So I think this is the first time ever in my life that I have so many books on the go at the same time. Four in total. Very unusual for me.

And one of the signs of a true book addiction, I'm already thinking of what to read for summer. I've got some lined up, but I want your suggestions. I love finding a new author and adding to my To Be Read list. For summer I'm thinking something of a lighter nature. Fun kinds of reads. So I'm asking you all, what are you reading and what can you recommend for good summer read. One that goes well with backyards, adirondack chairs, lakes, sunscreen and blankets on the grass. And of course, one that suits being interrupted 20 times in a half hour by the preschool set. If you know of something along these lines, suggest away.

Spring Reading Thing 2009

It's that time. Oh the fun this week going through my unread books and my TBR list and deciding what I wanted to read this spring. I think I finally decided. But I'm going to say right now, things might change up as I read all your great lists and see titles that I've just got to read now! LOL. So far here is what it looks like:

"How the Scots invented the Modern World" by Arthur Herman. The true story of how Western Europe's poorest nation created our world and everything in it. How the Scots created the basic ideals of modernity. Sounds interesting. We shall see.

"Why the Sky is Blue" by Susan Meissner. A mother, a duaghter and a night that changed them both forever. This amazing story of sacrifice and redemption is told by two women, mother and daughter, in their own unique and decisive voices.

"Oceans Apart" by Karen Kingsbury. A regrettable mistake. A terrible disaster. an unexpected chance to forgive.

"My Heart Remembers" by Kim Vogel Sawyer. United by blood, divided by time, willthree orphan-train siblings ever find one another again?

"A Time to Gather" by Sally John & Gary Smalley. Book 2 in the Safe Harbor Series. Drawing on the insights of bestselling marriage expert Gary Smalley, the series explores the joys and struggles of marriage, family and faith.

"Every Now & Then" by Karen Kingsbury. Book 3 in the 9/11 Series. He's on a desperate quest to rid the city of heartache, but first he must find a way to deal with his own.

"The List" by Robert Whitlow. Recommended by my friend. Have no idea what it's about as the cover is missing. It's my surprise pick, I guess. :v)

"Clutter-FREE Christianity" by Robert Jeffress. For a book tour, it looks very good. It's time to cut through the clutter and get to the heart of what it means to please God.Dr. Jeffress points you toward a revitalized fiath centered on becoming more like Jesus in action, attitude and affection.

So there you have it. The initial list. What are you reading this spring? Join the fun and put your link up at Callipider Days.

Wrap Up Party!

All good things must come to an end and seeing today is the last day of spring that means that The Spring Reading Thing 2008 has come to a close. Our lovely hostess, Katrina at Callipider Days is asking how it went.

Well, Katrina, it seemed tough slugging this time around. I love to read to but I don't know. It just seemed hard to get into some of the books this year. And it was really hard to do any reviews this time around. Just didn't do them. It's probably where my life was this spring; a little overly hectic and overwhelming. I had chosen 8 books altogether, a number that I had thought quite managable. This included 5 fiction novels, 2 non-fiction study type of books, and 1 auto-biography. I didn't finish a few of these but then other books got thrown into the mix as I did reviews and giveaways for different publishers. We'll start with those I originally listed. If you want an amazon link to any of these it's in my sidebar.

"Ball of Fire-the tumultous life and comic art of Lucille Ball" by Stefan Kanfur: took me awhile to get through this one. I love Lucille Ball and think she was a brilliant comedian. My family and I have spent many an hour watching and laughing at her antics on "I Love Lucy". This autobiography was quite heavy at times however. While I enjoyed reading her start and how the show got started, some of the occurences in her life were just plain sad. I also found that that I had a hard time with reconconcilling the zany Lucy with real hard business woman Lucy. I sort have wished I would have stayed naive about her real life.

"After the Leaves Fall" by Nicole Baart - I enjoyed this first novel from the author and will be reading the follow up novel. I could relate through out the story to the main character and her feelings and there was one incident in the book where my stomach was in a knot as if I had just experienced the situation instead of her. Review here.

"Experiencing the Ressurection" by Henry and Melvin Blackaby - I didn't even get to this book.

"A Time to Mend" by Gary Smalley & Sally John - I was so looking forward to this novel and series as Gary Smalley co-wrote another of my favorite series; the Redemption Series. However, I didn't get to it. This will be my must read over the summer.

"Once in a Promised Land" by Laila Hallaby - This was a novel I forced myself to finish in the hopes that somehow it would redeem itself. For me it never did. And it also never became the story that I thought it was about, so I kept waiting for it to turn into that story but it didn't. For some reason I thought it would really deal in detail with a Muslim family in America after 9-11 and the everyday things they had to face after that horrific event. I somehow got that idea from the cover. While the book did touch on it, it was more about the marriage issues of a Jordanian-American couple and the wife's affair. Sorry, it was a disappointment to me.

Chat Room" by Linda Hall - Couldn't renew it at the library. It was on someone else's hold list.

"Sushi for One?" by Cami Tang - A chick lit genre book about a young Asian woman whose grandmother forces her to be looking for a mate more seriously. There was funny moments throughout the story and the Asian culture was interesting to read about. I found the relationships between family members and the way they spoke to each other and how they treated each other hard to relate to however.

"The Quest for Character" by Charles Swindoll - Haven't started it.

Extra books that were added along the line:

"Family Squeeze" by Phil Callaway - Loved this book. Review here

"A Tendering in the Storm" by Jane Kirkpatrick - Historical novel based on the real life story of German-American Emma Wagner Giesy. The first woman sent on a scouting mission to the Oregon Territories, Emma's independant ways and prickling against colony ways sets events into motion in her life that can never be turned around.

"A Clearing in the Wild" by Jane Kirkpatrick - Part 2 of the story of Emma Giesy, the story continues as Emma struggles with her faith and makes decisions out of her own head. Still struggling with wanting independance, and wanting to protect her children she takes steps to what she thinks will bring them that. I'm halfway through this book and I have to admit I am plugging through this one, but I'm determined because I want to find out what happens to Emma. As a reader I'm sort of torn with feelings of being able to relate to the character and at the same time feeling frustrated with what I sense is pride that keeps her making decisions that don't always turn out good. I'm wanting it to turn out well for her.

So that's 7 1/2 books finished. With 8 originally listed. Only 4 of the original 8 read. Not my best showing for sticking to the list. As usual, the fictions won out, but I did finish the one non fiction that I really enjoyed, although that one wasn't on my original list. My favorite this season had to be "Family Squeeze" while my least favorite was definitely "Once in a Promised Land". So that's a wrap for the Spring Reading Thing. I've got a couple great books lined up for summer. Hopefully, I'll have lots of easy going days to do just that.

Spring Reading Thing 2008

Wait. Have you entered the book draw yet? No? Then go here first. Go 'head. I'll wait for ya!

Back? Good. Then here we go with the 2008 Spring Reading Thing!

It starts today. The Spring Reading Thing 2008 hosted by Katrina at Callipider Days. Due to the one handed typing business happening here, I'll basically just give you my list this time. The thought of typing descriptions and links is just too overwhelming.

~"Ball of Fire - The Tumultous Life and Comic Art of Lucille Ball" by Stefan Kanfer (finishing off)

~"After the Leaves fall" by Nicole Baart (finishing off)

~"Experiencing the Resurrection" by Henry & Melvin Blackaby

~"A Time To Mend" by Sally John & Gary Smalley

~"Chat Room" by Linda Hall

~"Sushi for One?" by Cami Tang

~"Once in a Promised Land" by Laila Halaby

~"The Quest for Character" by Charles R. Swindoll

There might be a few more I think I've said I'll review for book tours.

And because like Katrina I love a picture of a good stack of books, I just gotta put up a pic.

There now doesn't that just make you sigh? ;v) Read on, my friends, read on!

Spring Reading Thing Finale

The Spring Reading Thing 2007 has come to a close today, it being the first day of summer and all. I love the challenges because they help me to set goals for reading non-fiction. I can get through fiction books really well but when it comes to non-fiction, I'm infamous for starting them but losing steam about half way through them. This time around I kept with it. Unfortunately, I just plain ran out of time. While my list was not that long, it did have quite a few non-fictions and I was determined to read these particular ones to the end, and then life just sort of took over and got a bit busier than I had forseen. I finished all but "The Many Loves of Marriage", which I am halfway through and totally expect to finish before the end of the weekend. And the other was "Fascinating Stories of Forgotten Lives" which I totally am going to put as one of the first on my Fall Reading List! To see my list you can go here.

Katrina had a list of suggested questions for today's post so here goes:

1. What was the best book you read this spring?

While I enjoyed all the books that were on my list this spring by far, the one that captivated me, made my heart pound, kept me in suspense and made me think for days after) was "Uncharted" by Angela Hunt. Without any qualms I would recommend this. My review is here.

2. What book could you have done without?

There wasn't one that I could have not read. I enjoyed them all.

3. Did you try out a new author this spring? If so, which one, and will you be reading them again?

A new author for me was Brandilyn Collins. It took me a while to work up enough guts to read her books as I had heard they were quite suspenseful to say the least. But I totally did not want to be a member of her Big Honkin' Chicken club so I chose "Violet Dawn", the first of her Kanner Lake Series which is her latest. I wasn't disappointed. I handled it quite well, and I will definetly be putting the next books in the series into my fall reading.

4. If there were books you didn't finish, tell us why.

As written in the first paragraph, I ran out of time. Not that I picked too many books, but there were a few non-fictions and they always take longer and then we just seemed to be extra busy.

5. Did you come across books on other participant's lists that you are planning to add to your own to be read pile? Which ones?

There is just too many to list. If you go in my sidebar, and click on the 2007 reading list you can see that my pile just continually keeps on growing. I wish I could get a job that would give me a paycheck so that I could read all these wonderful books.

6. What did you learn -- about anything-- through this challenge?

I learned that yes, I can finish a non-fiction from cover to cover. Now this is probably a combination of actually enjoying these particular non-fictions and because I gave myself the extra push to do it. I learned there are way too many books, and way too little time. ;v)

And I learned that I so cannot achieve reading goals and keep up with as many blogs as I have in my bloglines. That I had to make choices at times which one had to give a little bit. I did that this challenge in choosing to not blog for about 4 days so that I could get caught up with my books. And while I terribly missed the community of blogging for those 4 days I was glad I had made the choice. It felt so good to accomplish what I had wanted to do.

7. What was the best part of the Spring Reading Thing?

Of course, I'm going to say reading everyone's lists and as many reviews as I could. I love that part of this. I find so many books I'd never heard of. Another part this spring that was tons of fun, was the massive book giveaway. While I would not expect that everytime, Katrina, it was still loads of fun to have it this time.

8. Would you participating in another reading challenge this fall?

You betcha!

9. Any other thoughts or comments?

While there is not going to be a summer reading challenge because, well, I'm sure Katrina would like to do something like be away from her computer for 10 minutes at a crack, I've got my summer reads ready to go. Absolutely no non-fiction. Summer reading is for fun stuff. :vD

It's going to be the "Summer of re-reads" for me. I'm going to enjoy some favorites that I have read before. To start with I'm going to read the "Stonewyck Trilogy", 3 books in a 6 book series, by Michael Phillips. One of my all time favorites about a young Scottish girl who gets saved and how it changes the course of her family through generations. Love it. And then if I still have some summer left, I think I'll add "The Last Sin Eater" by Francine Rivers. I just saw the movie and totally loved it so I want to reread the book.

Thanks again Katrina, for another wonderful reading challenge and for all the extra work you did with the book giveaways.

Book Review ~ "Before I Wake"

"Before I Wake" by Dee Henderson



Dee Henderson is one of my favorite authors and she has introduced a new series with "Before I Wake". With an investigation going wrong, Rae Gabriella has left the FBI and has taken a job working with an ex-boyfriend in his private eye business. An ex-boyfriend who wishes he had had the courage to ask her to marry him. Moving to the town of Justice seems to be the place to start a new life in a new career. But when she arrives instead of the slower paced work her first case lands her in the middle of an investigation of an apparent murder of a young reporter. While the coroner has ruled "natural causes", the young woman's parents do not believe it is. Working with her partner and the sherriff of the the town, Rae is in more danger than she or the others know, as they seek out answers to why women are being murdered in Justice.



There is lots of conversation in this story, but I believe that is how Dee Henderson develops the characters. You are given their background info through their conversations. Once again, she has given characters that the reader can really like. The story is complex with lots of angles and therefore really kept me interested. The suspense and intrigue in it has enough twists that you never quite figure it out. It is a cliffhanger ending with quite a few loose ends, so some have been disappointed and have felt there was no ending to the book. Knowing it was to be a series, though, I didn't see it that way. I also really liked how the author is developing the story line revolving around the main character's faith. She is struggling. But in the revealing of her story you understand why she is struggling with her faith and I'm interested to read how this plays out in future books within the series.



While it is hard to come up to the O'Malley series in my eyes, this was a really good read and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

Yipee!

Look what came in the mail today!

I won it over at Callipider Day's Spring Reading Thing Saturday Draws. I haven't won something in such a long time and it being a book just makes me do a happy dance. Now really, tell me, who just cannot use another book to read. I'd take them all if I could!

But when I opened it up, Be. Still. My. Heart! Delia Latham signed it for me! My very first official signed novel. Thank you Delia! You made my day.

And thank you to Katrina for putting all the work into these giveaways each week during the spring reading challenge. And thanks to Brandilyn Collins (Kanner Lake site)for putting the word out to all her author friends who responded overwhelmingly. Thanks to all the authors, of which there is way too many to list! I'm telling ya. It's amazing. Katrina's been giving about a dozen books away each week now for weeks and if you want to get in on it, I think there is still a week or two left. Just go over to Callipider Days on Saturdays and get your name in there.

Book Review ~ "Graced Based Parenting"

"Grace Based Parenting" by Dr. Tim Kimmel

I did it. I got it done. I actually finished a non-fiction book in my Spring Reading Thing List right to the last page. I didn't give up halfway through. Yay, for me!

I put this book on my list after hearing lots of good things about it. It is recommended by Focus on the Family and forwarded by Max Lucado.

In the book, the author teaches that how we view God determines how we will parent our children. Dr. Kimmel helps you identify what catagory of parenting style you have been in and shows you that God, through his grace towards you, has modeled how to parent your children. Raising our kids the way God raises us. By embracing the grace God gives us we in turn can give it to our children as we raise them.

The book will teach you how to identify what your children need from you and how to give your children security by giving unconditional love.

Dr. Kimmel teaches that grace based parenting is not giving your children free lisence to do whatever they want when they want how they want. He teaches that there is grace within biblical boundaries. If the biblical based boundaries are not there it cheapens grace. God gives us boundaries as His children and so should we give bible based boundaries to ours. With in these boundaries there should be grace to let children be themselves. He teaches that grace-based homes should provide a safe haven for children to be able to be themselves. Grace based homes should not tolerate sin, evil or anything that goes contrary to clearly stated precepts in the Bible.

I tend to get really bogged down in non-fiction teaching books, but this book was interesting, easy reading. It did not speak like a university text book but like a real person talking to real everyday parents. If I'd have owned the book it would have been full of underlining and sidenotes in pencil. I wished I had read this as a young parent but it still helps me as a parent of teens. There was lots that I have to mull over and prayerfully consider as it does want to challenge my way of thinking in some areas. But that is a good thing. Heaven knows I am definitely not perfect in the parenting department and some things I'm doing do need changing.

There are study questions in the back for personal use or if you want to do it as a small group study.

Determined Reading

How are you guys doing on the Spring Reading Thing? I'm going right through my non-fictions but as usual I'm getting really bogged down with the non-fictions. I don't know what it is about me but I start the non's with a bang and then come to a screeching halt about 1/2 way through and then just slug along.

Right now, I'm reading "Graced Based Parenting" by Dr. Tim Kimmel and while it is really good, I have to give it some focused time I think. So I think I might not post for a couple days so I can get through this book. I might come around and visit but I've got to do this. It's due back at the church library and I've already renewed it once. So I must, I must, I must get through in the next couple days. I am determined to say that I actually finished to the last page a non-fiction book.

To read any of my reviews you can link from my sidebar under "Completed Books and Reviews" in the reading section.

Book Review ~ "Violet Dawn"

Violet Dawn by Brandilyn Collins is the first in her new "Kanner Lake Series". In the setting of Brandilyn's beloved Northern Idaho, surrounded with lakes, forests and wildlife it is the perfect setting for Paige Williams to start life over. Wanting nothing more than peace and a girlfriend who would be like a sister to her, Paige has settled into this idyllic little lake town. Not being able to sleep, Paige decides a nice soak in the hot tub on the deck of her rental home is in order. As she slips into the tub and lays back in the seat, something brushes against her leg. Groping around her hands become entangled with floating hair.

So begins Paige's nightmare and end to the quiet life she so desired. With secrets from her past that she needs to stay hidden, she needs to make a decision. Though innocent all evidence is pointing to her. Is this a bizarre co-incidence or is someone targeting her?

Chock full of great characters including Vince Edwards,the town police chief, and Bailey Truitt, owner of the local coffee shop and tons of suspense, this book kept me riveted. It is my first Brandilyn Collins book, and it took me quite awhile to work up the courage to read her books. They are known for their suspense and intenseness. Even though a little nervous, ok, really, with my heart in my throat, I was drawn right into the story, and had trouble putting the book down. I just had to know what was going to happen. Though very intense and action packed, it was not gross. Well as much as a body floating in your hot tub cannot be gross. :v)

With research into crime scene investigation and forensics, and great skill using flashbacks and several points of view, and weaving in faith, Brandilyn writes a great edge of your seat murder mystery.

If you think you are brave enough, you can read an excerpt here.

Book Review ~ "the Memory Keeper's Daughter"

The Memory Keeper's Daughter is a first novel for Kim Edwards. It is a story starting in the 1960's and spanning over 25 years. It is a story one family and the on-going consequences each member pays for one split-second decision made by one member.

Dr. David Henry, a young doctor very much in love with his wife, is faced with delivering his own child when a snow storm prevents them from making it to the hospital. Going to his clinic which is closer, he along with his nurse help to deliver his baby boy. To his surprise, there is a twin delivered also by Norah, who is basically unconscious from medication. As soon as he holds the baby, Dr. Henry right away realizes the baby girl has Down's Syndrome. In a split second decision, he gives the baby to his nurse to take to an institution which was the method of the day in dealing with Down Syndrome children. He then informs Norah that she birthed a baby girl who died.

When Caroline takes the babe to the institution she finds the conditions deplorable. And there begins the journey of deception, secrets, dealing with loss and pain, and consequences of choices made. While Dr. Henry believed that he was making the right decision to protect his wife, whom he very much loved, from heartache, he could not have predicted the road that his family would travel from that decision.

With my background working with Down's Syndrome children and various other disabilities, I very much looked forward to reading this book. It grabbed me from beginning to end. Back in that time, when institutions where the way of handling children with disabilites combined with memories and undealt grief from his past, the character of David Henry was acting with the times. The level of it affecting all their lives comes from the decision to decieve his wife with it. I was totally caught up in their story and the nurses story and how a wrong decision even done with the best of motives can reverberate down through years and affect another generation. Kim Edwards did a lot of research into what was happening with families with Down Syndrome children at the time and it really comes through in different parts of the story. I thought the characters where well defined and real. I was however surprised at the ending. To me it was very abrupt and wrapped up too pat. I kept turning the pages thinking there was more but nope that was the end. In spite of that, I thought it was a great read that really involved my emotions and empathy for all the characters. Kim also provides questions at the back for reading groups or for individuals to work through. I will definitely be picking up Kim's next book.

Spring Reading Thing

Well, it's finally spring and know how I can tell? Why, the Spring Reading Thing is finally here. Katrina at Callipider Days has set up a Mr. Linky so that we can snoopcheck out and see what everybody else has on their lists. I'm telling you, I got so many book ideas from the Fall into Reading Challenge that my To Read Booklist is a mile long. And some of those are on my spring list.

So without further ado I present my book list for the Spring Reading Thing.

~The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

This was one that was on a lot of your fall reading lists. So I'm giving it a go. From the back cover: ...in 1964, when a blizzard forces Dr. David Henry to deliver his own twins. His son, born first, is perfectly healthy, but the doctor immediately recognizes that his daughter has Down syndrome. For motives he tells himself are good, he makes a split-second decision that will haunt all their lives forever. He asks his nurse to take the baby away to an institution. Instead, she disappears into another city to raise the child as her own.

~Graced Based Parenting by Dr. Tim Kimmel

I've heard a lot of great things about this book. From the back cover: "...focuses on the model and guidance provided by God the Father - the ultimate child and family expert. ...a map for learning to see ourselves and our children through God's limitless tenderness-to raise our kids the way God raises us.

~Violet Dawn by Brandilyn Collins

Highly recommended by the salesclerk at my local Christian bookstore. From the back cover: "Paige Williams slips into her hot tub in the blackness of night - and finds herself face to face with death. Alone, terrified, fleeing a dark past, Paige must make an unthinkable choice." Got your attention? Hee. Brandilyn's books have been coined as "seatbelt suspense". I'm looking forward to reading Brandilyn's work for the first time.

~Hearts of Gold: Stories of Courage, Dedication and Triumph From Canadian Olympians by Lorne Zeiler

~Uncharted by Angela Hunt

Another of my favorite authors. From the back cover: "...A blend of the movies Castaway and The Big Chill, with a touch of the television series Lost, creatively thrown together with the biblical story of the beggar Lazarus and C.S. Lewis's The Great Divorce." -Publisher's Weekly

~The Many Loves of Marriage by Thomas & Nanette Kinkade

The authors share personal secrets of multiplying love in any marriage relationship.

~Before I Wake by Dee Henderson

Another favorite author. The sheriff of Justice, Illinois, is hunting a killer and he's not pleased when a detective representing one of the victim's families comes to town as she might very well be the next victim.

Wow, looks like I really stacked the deck with favorite authors this time around. Maybe that'll guarantee I can meet my challenge.

It's Here!

Well, I can't believe it. The internet is finally working. Only 12 hours later than when I originally planned to post it, but oh well.




It's here. The Spring Reading Thing. I was getting so excited as it neared. I've got a book list for 2007 but I'm looking forward to concentrating a few into a more limited time. A couple weeks ago I showed you a picture of my overflowing book bag. Well, guess what? I've added a couple more. Believe it not, yup, I surely did! Quite a few of you wanted to know what books were in that bag so I'll let you in on that with the Spring Reading Thing post on March 21st.

So everyone get ready and figure out what books you'd like to read for Spring. Order them, purchase them, or borrow them but get them ready. 'Cause it's coming! Watch for it, Mr. Linky will be up March 21st! For Katrina's post on the Reading Thing just click on the button and head on over.